OK, so I've put myself in a bit of a bind by not acting sooner to add the Ford trailer brake controller. We are looking at a new travel trailer tonight and likely picking it up Saturday. None of the dealers I spoke to today have the Ford unit in hand.

Other than the lack of integration with the truck's computer, are there any downsides to a standalone controller (something like a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 I think?).

I assume that with such a setup the truck does not require the reprogramming that it requires to activate the Ford unit.

 

The Prodigy should work ok. Had one in my previous truck.

But the integrated Ford one is soooo much better. I especially like that it adjusts the output depending upon your speed.

 

I have no idea if that is really the case but I read somewhere that 2009+ models have anti-sway "traction control" for towing and this would be related to the brake controller. It may or may not work with another brake controller.

 

yeah, I dont expect that function to work with the non OEM controller.

 

Anti-sway only works with the Ford. Also when the truck's brakes ABS goes crazy, it modifies the trailer brake ouput somehow to help. And then there's the adjusted brake output with vehicle speed. All-in-all a major improvement over aftermarket controllers.

 

And the most obvious and important downside with the aftermarket unit is that it will LOOK LIKE CRAP under the dash of your beautiful pickup!

 

All that said, the Prodigy is a good substitute. If you know anyone with a prodigy, maybe you could borrow it temporarily? The premade harnesses are fairly low cost, and it would be easy enough to temp mount.

 

This was my first thought. I love the Ford controller.
It looks great and works great.

 

Yes, that would work. Or: just buy a cheap $50 controller (they really are crappy) for that one trip, then get the Ford one. The Ford controller is so much better that IMO it's worth the extra cost.

 

Those controllers...In my 2011 F150 work truck I installed an aftermarket brake controller and a 7 pin to replace the 4 pin, all according to the Voyager directions provided. Installed the breaker at position 21 and the fuse, I now have no brake, turn or hazard lights. Checked all the fusable links - all OK. Looks like I have to crawl to the dealer for help anyway unless someone here has had a simillar issue and has a resolution. I love to hear from ya!